Manipur: Kuki Group Lifts NH-202 Blockade, UNC Continues NH-2 Standoff

Three days after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for the resumption of free movement for all communities on Manipur's highways, a Kuki organisation has lifted its counter-economic blockade on National Highway 202 (Imphal-Ukhrul Road). The blockade on the more strategic National Highway 2, enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC), however, continues.

The Kuki Civil Society Working Committee-Ukhrul (WCKCSOS-Ukhrul) announced the withdrawal of its 'total shutdown' on NH-202 from 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after a meeting with a Manipur government delegation led by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas. The Kuki organisation had imposed the counter-economic blockade on July 27, and intensified it into a total shutdown on August 5, protesting a selective economic blockade by certain Naga and Meitei groups targeting the Kuki community.

During the meeting, the government delegation informed the Kuki organisation about an agreement reached between Naga and Meitei groups to end the selective economic blockade against the Kukis on NH-202. Following this, the WCKCSOS-Ukhrul and the government executed a handwritten agreement to lift the blockade.

Government spokesperson and MLA Thokchom Radheshyam confirmed that approximately 300 stranded trucks departed for Imphal from a location in Ukhrul district after the agreement. He expressed hope that the government would soon ensure the free movement of trucks on NH-2 as well.

The movement of trucks on NH-2 has been suspended since May 17, when the UNC enforced an economic blockade to protest the abduction of six Nagas by Kuki miscreants. The mutilated bodies of all six were later recovered from the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district on June 10. The UNC has refused to lift the blockade until the government meets its demands, which include the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with more than 20 Kuki rebel groups and the prosecution of all those involved in the killing of the six Nagas.

A government delegation met the UNC leadership on Monday, August 10, 2026, to persuade it to lift the blockade, but the UNC insisted on its demands being met first. The ongoing disruption on NH-2 has affected the supply of essential commodities to large parts of the state, and the reopening of NH-202 is seen as a partial relief for residents.

The situation in Manipur remains tense, with periodic blockades and counter-blockades affecting normal life. The state government has called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of grievances from all communities. The lifting of the NH-202 blockade is a positive step, but the prolonged closure of NH-2 continues to pose challenges for the public and the administration.

Authorities are working to facilitate talks and find a durable solution to the issues raised by various groups. Meanwhile, the administration has urged all parties to refrain from actions that disrupt civilian life and impede the movement of essential goods.